Medgadget

Let Draeger Polaris Be Your Guiding Light

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 -0800

We are continuing to profile the latest gadgets that are being showcased at the Medica 2009 in Düsseldorf. This beautiful line of cold OR light systems, appropriately dubbed Polaris, comes from Drägerwerk AG & Co., a company better known to everyone as Dräger.

Details from the press release:

Compared with conventional light sources, the smaller LEDs of the Polaris system are considerably more energy-efficient than conventional light sources. An LED light source has a life span of about 30,000 hours (corresponding to about seven to ten years of service life in the operating room), while the life span of a conventional light source is about 1,000 hours (corresponding to about four months of service life in the operating room). The slight amount of lost heat from the LEDs is dispensed through the top of the housing.
The different Polaris models are distinguished by their illuminating power. They can be used as an individual OR light or as a satellite in multiple-light systems, and can also be equipped with an integrated camera.

This new product design received the red dot design award 2008 which, according to the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, is based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, quality and ergonomics.

The 108 light-emitting diodes of the Polaris (700 model) distribute light with a color temperature of 4,600 Kelvin. "Cold light" (without long-wave infrared content) is generated by means of a phosphor layer on the semiconductor and focused via an optical system. The LEDs are installed in the reflectors in pairs.

The individual light paths form a light cylinder which has an illumination depth of about 1,100 millimeters and a variable diameter of 220 to 290 millimeters. This ensures that the light of each LED can be focused on the OR field and that several surgeons can work simultaneously on the OR field without noticeably reducing the brightness.

Press release: Precision lighting with the new Dräger Polaris...

Product brochure... (.pdf)

A New LED Powered Endoscope from Schölly

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:43:06 -0800

Schölly Fiberoptic out of Denzlingen, Germany is releasing a new video bronchoscope with CMOS "chip-in-the-tip" and bright LED technology. The device is going to be unveiled at MEDICA 2009 next week in Düsseldorf.

The controller unit is plug-and-play with easy start-up. Its compact size saves table space and the simple controls eliminate the need for lengthy training. The controller is completely silent since it does not require a cooling fan. All video settings are preprogrammed, so no complicated and time consuming set-up is necessary. A single cable leads from the controller to the ergonomic handpiece. The handpiece includes the tip deflection lever, working channel port, suction valve, and buttons for taking photos and illumination adjustment. High-powered LEDs are incorporated inside the handpiece. These LEDs eliminate the need for costly replacement bulbs.

Link: Innovative New Video Bronchoscope with DeepVu Technology ...

(hat tip: German Healthcare Export Group)

ThumBlade Scalpel Safety System

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:34:10 -0800

Here's an interesting new take on improving the safety for scrub techs, nurses and surgeons. ThumBlade™ scalpel system from Precision Medical Devices Inc. (Marlboro, NJ) is a no contact, disposable safety sheath that covers blades, and allows activation of the scalpel with just one hand. So no more sharps and no more mosquito use to mount a blade.

Medgadget has obtained the following details about the device:

Featuring patent pending innovative thumb activation independent mechanisms, PMD’s ThumBlade™ safety scalpels enable one-handed activation smoothly and safely by right or left handed practitioners with no contact with the exposed blade. This activation affords an easy, natural opening motion while keeping the other fingers out of the way. The safety sheath is made from high quality ABS composite with a completely flat and smooth top, providing a stable platform for better control during the procedure. The extra sharp blades are stainless steel, pre-sterilized, and disposable after single use. The blade sheaths and packaging are color coded by size for easy counting and safe use. The stainless steel handles are pre-sterilized for first use and can be re-sterilized and re-used. These handles, available in both #3 and #4 fitments, are premium length and back-weighted for the grip and feel practitioners prefer.

Product page: ThumBlade™ safety scalpel system...

Single Chip Stereo Endoscopy from Visionsense Coming to an OR Near You

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:23:31 -0800

Visionsense out of Orangeburg, New York, a company that makes single chip 3D endoscopic vision technology, has raised $8M in VC funds to begin full scale marketing of its unique technology in the US and Europe. The firm's Visionsense Stereoscopic Vision System, designed to improve depth perception and understanding of complex surgical anatomy, can be used for a variety of complex surgeries, such as skull-base and keyhole neurosurgical cases, as well as a wide range of laparoscopic procedures.

Camera Control Unit (CCU) – The CCU consists of a single Pentium PC with proprietary Visionsense hardware and software.

3D Stereoscopic Display - The CCU connects to a stereoscopic display with flexible arm for multiple viewing angles (requires glasses).

Video Cart - specifically designed to maximize surgeon ergonomics and minimize the footprint in the operating room.

The VSII is designed to work with:

Cameras - The VSII uses various configurations of cameras specifically designed for transnasal and keyhole neurosurgical applications. Currently, there are 2 lengths (170mm and 300mm) and 2 angles (0 and 30 degree). The cameras are able to be sterilized and are reusable for 40 procedures.

LED Light Source - The VSII uses its own customized light source which uses a few watts of power to illuminate the surgical field.

Digital Recording/playing/editing procedures, in both mono and stereo

Product page: VSII -Visionsense Stereoscopic Vision System

Flashback: Single Chip Stereo Endoscopy from Visionsense

(hat tip: Globes)

Touch Controls Is The Latest Feature in Hearing Aids from Starkey Labs

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:31:24 -0800

Starkey Laboratories has released a new line of hearing aids that sport a touch sensitive pad, similar to that on most laptops, which allows the user to control the volume and change between different sets of settings all without any buttons. Inspired by the Apple iPod scroll wheel, the S Series™ BTE with Sweep™ Technology is water resistant, which probably means you can take a shower while wearing one. Another nifty feature is the ability of the hearing aid to recognize the standard tones produced by telephones. This means you can use any phone as a remote to control the settings.

Features of the four models in the S Series from the product page:

Traditional hearing aid buttons, switches and dials are often difficult for patients to find and manipulate. With Sweep Technology, there is no mechanical movement required for activation, no push buttons that oxidize and fail with time, and no openings around the volume control wheel that allow moisture and dirt to enter the hearing aid. The sweep surface is a single seamless control, giving patients full access to volume, memory and standby controls — smarter technology that makes patients' lives simpler.

The new S Series BTE is a flexible option that can be fit with standard earmolds or open with thin tubing. The instrument includes Advanced HydraShield™, Starkey's proprietary moisture and corrosion protection system, as well as T2, giving patients the ability to adjust hearing aid volume or memories with a touch-tone phone. The instrument was designed for optimal patient acceptance, utilizing the same design language as the award-winning S Series receiver-in-canal (RIC).

The new BTE with Sweep Technology rounds out Starkey's S Series with Drive Architecture™ line of hearing instruments, which already includes completely-in-canal, in-the-canal and in-the-ear styles, along with a full RIC family, in four technology levels. Drive Architecture triples the processing power of previous platforms, enabling industry-leading feedback cancellation, superior integrated noise management, live real ear measurement, and much more. It is engineered from the ground up to deliver maximum performance, comfort and personalization.

Here's a video showing the touch control pad in use:

Press release: Starkey Introduces Sweeping Changes to Hearing Aids; Touch Screen Meets Hearing Aid in New S Series BTE

Product page: S Series

S Series brochure...

Starkey's technical paper on the Sweep technology...

SoundBite, a Cochlear Hearing Aid Without The Implant

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:54:58 -0800

Cleveland Clinic has released its annual Top 10 Medical Innovations, a list that answers the question: "What game-changing medical technology, device, or therapy do you see breaking through in 2010?" At the top of the list is SoundBite, a bone conduction hearing system from Sonitus Medical, a firm out of San Mateo, California, that may bring some serious competition to the cochlear implant market, specifically for people suffering for a single sided deafness. Currently awaiting FDA approval, the system uses teeth as a sound conducting medium, instead of a cranium where cochlear aids are being typically implanted nowadays. Being much less conspicuous, the system should be a popular choice if it gets regulatory approval.

Merging the well-known principles of bone conduction together with advanced wireless and sound processing technology, SoundBite is the world's first non-surgical and removable bone conduction hearing system, which is designed to transmit sound via the teeth. The SoundBite hearing system consists of both a behind the ear device, housing the receiver, wireless transmitter, and attached microphone, and a discreet, removable, custom-fit retainer-like device. An inductive charger unit is provided to charge the behind the ear device and retainer.

SoundBite is designed to detect sounds using a small microphone placed within the open ear canal of the impaired ear. The nearly invisible, thin tube microphone is attached to the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This microphone placement in the pinna or outer ear is intended to allow the SoundBite hearing system to capitalize on the natural acoustic ability of the outer ear to capture and direct sound into the open ear. SoundBite system hearing is intended to provide clear, high fidelity sound and is designed to restore normal hearing to patients.

From the microphone, SoundBite hearing system will receive sound in the transmitter unit worn behind the ear. This nearly invisible, digital audio device wirelessly transmits sound to the removable dental retainer-like device, which is custom fitted by a partner dentist for optimal comfort and function. The retainer uses advanced technology and specialized electronics to produce imperceptible vibrations that are conducted via the teeth and bones, to the both cochleae. No surgery is required.

Press release: Sonitus Medical Technology Ranks #1 on Cleveland Clinic's 'Top 10' Medical Innovations for 2010...

Product page: SoundBite hearing system...

Cleveland Clinic: Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2010...

ImThera's Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:44:53 -0800

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is a promising technology being pursued by a number of companies, including big firms such as Medtronic. The big idea is that muscles of the upper airway relax more than necessary in some OSA patients, the passage gets blocked and air can't flow repeatedly during sleep. Hence hypoglossal stimulation, properly timed to one's breathing, can help to relieve the obstruction. ImThera, a start up out of San Diego, California, is now reporting that it has developed a new neurostimulation solution for people that failed to find a less invasive therapy for their obstructive sleep apnea (i.e. CPAP mask) The aura 6000 implant provides night time electric stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. The firm has yet to receive regulatory approval to market the device.

Components of the aura 6000:

Implanted
A multi-contact electrode specific to the Hypoglossal nerve. The electrode connects to the IPG via a lead wire.

An implantable pulse generator (IPG) enclosure which contains the electronics and the RF receive-transmit antenna. It is externally programmable, specifically for each patient, and re-chargeable.

External

Patient's controller, charger and programmer device. The external controller interfaces to the IPG for patient functions and to the physician's computer for set-up and programming.

Physician's PC including the aura600 Clinical Manager software.

Product page: aura 6000...

Press release: ImThera Medical Completes Development of Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation Treatment for OSA... (.pdf)

Flashbacks: Apnex Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA ; Inspire II Implantable Nerve Stimulator for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Nucleus 5 Smallest Cochlear Implant Gets US OK

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:36:41 -0800

Cochlear, Ltd (Lane Cove, NSW, Australia) has won FDA approval to market the Nucleus 5 device for people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. The titanium device is the smallest of its kind. Nucleus 5 sports a two way remote control, telephone connectivity, and proprietary sound processing technology.

Smallest sound processor — for a comfortable and discreet fit. The Nucleus 5 Sound Processor is smaller than any other and designed to fit comfortably and securely. Yet, it is tough and secure enough for any situation.
Features the most flexible options to anticipate your needs – from an extensive selection of wearable options for every age and lifestyle, to music, phone and entertainment accessories and easy connection options, we’ve anticipated your everyday needs.

Thinnest titanium implant design — Ideal choice for all ages. The Nucleus 5 System features the thinnest titanium implant in the industry. It is 40% thinner than our previous generation and 30% thinner than any other titanium implant available.

Nucleus 5 is the world’s most water resistant allowing you to relax around water or play by the pool. With the industry’s only International Protection Rating of IP44 18 you have the assurance that your sound processor can keep up with your active lifestyle, even around water.

The exclusive two-way remote assistant is an added bonus to your system. Gives you the added flexibility and control of being able to adjust your settings easily from the remote assistant or directly on the sound processor – and gives parents the added peace of mind that their child is hearing their best.

Also allows the easiest bilateral use. With the Nucleus 5 System if you have chosen to go bilateral (with cochlear implants for both ears) your two sound processors can be easily and simultaneously controlled with the exclusive two-way remote assistant.

Product page: Nucleus 5...

Press release: Cochlear Americas Announces FDA Approval of the Nucleus(R) 5 System

MED-EL's Vibrant Soundbridge Middle Ear Implant Gets EU OK

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:05 -0800

MED-EL out of Tyrol, Austria has received European approval to market the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant system for children and adolescents. The device features a single point connection to the skull, so the system can remain permanent as it accommodates the patient's head growth.

From the product page:

The implanted part of the Vibrant Soundbridge is called the VORP (Vibrating Ossicular Prosthesis) and consists of an internal coil, a magnet to hold the Audio Processor over the implant, a demodulator, the conductor link and the innovative technology of the Floating Mass Transducer™ (FMT™).
The signal from the Audio Processor is transmitted to the VORP and transformed into mechanical vibrations by the FMT.

The VORP is implanted during a surgical procedure in which the FMT is attached to a vibratory structure of the ear. When activated, the FMT vibrates in a controlled manner, specific to each patient's hearing needs, causing the structure of the ear to vibrate. It conducts a wide frequency range up to 8000 Hz.

The FMT, a tiny magnet, lies at the core of this advanced technology.

The externally worn Audio Processor (AP) is attached to the patient's head, behind the ear, by a magnet which is attracted to a magnet within the implanted VORP.

The Audio Processor includes a microphone to pick up sound from the environment, sound processing circuitry to modify the output signal to the patient's specific requirements, a battery to power the device and high-quality, fully digital signal processing.

The Audio Processor is designed to have a battery life of approximately one week.

Product page: Vibrant Soundbridge

Press release: VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE received market approval for the implantation in children and adolescents within Europe and countries that recognize the European CE mark

Flashbacks: MED-EL Corporation's new Cochlear Implant System ; DUET Electric-Acoustic Hybrid Hearing Aid Undergoing US Trials...; Earworm: A Symphony Borne of Science...

FDA OK's PlasmaBlade for Tonsil and Adenoid Tissue Removal

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:26:33 -0800

Peak Surgical out of Palo Alto, California has received FDA approval for its tonsil and adenoid tissue dissection device. The PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA, which features interchangeable tips, is based on the recently introduced PlasmaBlade system that aims to replace the Bovie as a standard dissection and coagulation device. The primary advantage of PEAK's technology is the low thermal footprint of the cutting tip, leading to less damage to the tissue around the dissection site.

All of the PlasmaBlade tissue dissection surgical devices are used in conjunction with PEAK Surgical’s PULSAR Generator, which supplies pulsed waveforms that produce short plasma-mediated electrical discharges through the PlasmaBlade. Because the radiofrequency is provided in short on-and-off pulses with low duty cycle, and the blade is insulated, heat diffusion and associated heat damage to surrounding tissues is limited, resulting in less collateral damage and more precise tissue dissection. In contrast, most radiofrequency-based surgical devices use continuous voltage waveforms and un-insulated electrodes to cut tissue.
The PlasmaBlade provides surgeons with a single device that offers:

* the precision of a traditional scalpel;
* the bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery technology;
* minimized thermal damage;
* the ability to quickly and easily cut through all types of soft tissue, including skin, fat and muscle;
* the ability to operate in a wet or dry surgical field.

Product page: PlasmaBlade Family...

Press release: PEAK Surgical Introduces PEAK PlasmaBlade™TnA...

Flashbacks: PlasmaBlade Finds New Uses With New Attachments; PlasmaBlade System Gets FDA Go Ahead; Peak PlasmaBlade Wants to Be The New Bovie